Old Course St Andrews - The Ballot

The Ballot


As golfers begin to shake of winter and prepare to golf 2017 many are going to be focusing their attention on traveling to golf in Scotland and the Old Course St Andrews in particular. The question arises: How do you golf the Old Course at St Andrews without an advanced and guaranteed tee time?

Answer: The Old Course Ballot


This is the historic lottery held by the St Andrews Links Trust every afternoon, except Friday, for a number of un-allocated tee times on the Old Course 2 days before you wish to play.

  • Applications are made 48 hours before your day of play
  • Applications are accepted before 2:00pm
  • You can apply in person at the Old Course Pavilion or Links Trust Clubhouse
  • Phone +44 (0)1334 466 666
  • The golfer submits at least two names and maximum of four
  • Home club membership and handicap details of all golfers are required
  • Request 'play at any time' to increase the chances of success
  • The Ballot result is available by phoning after 4:00pm that same day, visiting their website, Old Course Starter's Box, local pubs and hotels
The 2017 Old Course green fee is 175 Great British Pounds (GBP) - approximately $220.

If you are going to be visiting St Andrews for a number days the odds should favour success getting you out golfing the ancient links by use of the Ballot. The official line is that 50% of tee times are available through the Ballot every year and this is true over a 12 month period. In my experience there are 30 - 40% of Old Course tee times accessible during April, May and June and this decreases dramatically through August into September going as low as 15%.

 Golfers have to be aware that entering the Ballot over 4 or 5 consecutive days does not guarantee success but if you are not in it you are not going to win it. Flexibility is the key and while waiting for your Old Course tee time some of these compelling Scottish Links golf courses in the area of St Andrews should keep you occupied:

New, Jubilee, Eden, Kingsbarns, Crail, Lundin, Leven, Scotscraig, Panmure, Monifieth, Carnoustie.

Please remember that Caddie Golf Tours are here to offer advice and organise the best route for your golf vacation in Scotland and St Andrews. Do not hesitate to contact us through the usual channels, we look forward to hearing from you...Fore!

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